Abstract: Flow cytometers including light collection enhancers are provided. In embodiments, the subject flow cytometers include a flow cell, a light source, an objective lens for focusing particle-modulated light propagating within a first light collection cone and a light collection enhancer configured to collect particle-modulated light propagating along an optical path within a second light collection cone and redirect the collected light such that it is back-propagated along the same optical path and focused by the objective lens for detection. Light collection enhancers of interest include a reflective optical element (e.g., a mirror) and a condenser lens positioned between the reflective optical element and the flow cell. Methods for analyzing a sample are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for determining a parameter of a particle in a flow stream (e.g., in a particle analyzer of a flow cytometer) from scattered light are described. Methods according to certain embodiments include irradiating a particle in a flow stream with a frequency-modulated beam of laser light modulated at a reference frequency, detecting scattered light from the particle with a photodetector, generating a frequency-encoded data signal from the detected scattered light, synchronizing the frequency-encoded data signal with the reference frequency and determining one or more parameters of the particle based on the synchronized frequency-encoded data signal. Systems and non-transitory computer readable storage medium with instructions for practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: Flow cytometers including light collection modules are provided. In embodiments, the subject flow cytometers include a light source for irradiating a particle passing through a flow cell at an interrogation point, an objective lens for focusing particle-modulated light, and a light collection module for collecting objective lens focused light. In some embodiments, the light collection module includes a fiber optic light conveyor and a refractive optical element positioned between the objective lens and the fiber optic light conveyor. In such embodiments, the refractive optical element is configured to direct the objective lens focused light onto the surface of the fiber optic light conveyor by refracting the objective lens focused light such that it propagates along a single optical axis. Methods for using the flow cytometers are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for determining a parameter of a particle in a flow stream (e.g., in a particle analyzer of a flow cytometer) from scattered light are described. Methods according to certain embodiments include irradiating a particle in a flow stream with a frequency-modulated beam of laser light modulated at a reference frequency, detecting scattered light from the particle with a photodetector, generating a frequency-encoded data signal from the detected scattered light, synchronizing the frequency-encoded data signal with the reference frequency and determining one or more parameters of the particle based on the synchronized frequency-encoded data signal. Systems and non-transitory computer readable storage medium with instructions for practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: Light detection systems for simultaneously measuring scattered light (e.g., in a flow stream) from particles having diameters which differ by 100 nm or more are described. Light detection systems according to certain embodiments include a static optical adjustment component, a variable optical adjustment component and a photodetector. Systems and methods for measuring scattered light from a sample (e.g., in a flow stream) and kits having a static optical adjustment component, a variable optical adjustment component and a photodetector are also provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include systems for detecting light from a particle in a flow stream by spectral discrimination. Systems according to certain embodiments include a light source configured to irradiate a particle propagating along a flow stream through an interrogation region, a light detection system that includes a wavelength separator component configured to pass light having a predetermined spectral range across the wavelength separator, a light adjustment component configured to continuously convey light from the irradiated particle across the wavelength separator as the particle is propagated along the flow stream through the interrogation region and a photodetector configured to detect light conveyed across the wavelength separator. Systems also include a processor for generating a photodetector signal pulse in response to light detected from the wavelength separator. Methods for detecting light with the subject systems are also described.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include systems for detecting light from a particle by birefringent interferometry. Systems according to certain embodiments include a light source configured to irradiate a particle propagating through a flow stream, a light detection system that includes a birefringent polarizing interferometer configured to generate interfering polarized beams of light, a light adjustment component configured to continuously convey light from the irradiated particle across different positions on the birefringent polarizing interferometer as the particle is propagated through the flow stream, a photodetector configured to detect interference patterns of the interfering polarized beams of light generated by the birefringent polarizing interferometer from light collected from the irradiated particle and generate a photodetector signal pulse in response to each detected interference pattern.

Abstract: Flow cytometers including light collection enhancers are provided. In embodiments, the subject flow cytometers include a flow cell, a light source, an objective lens for focusing particle-modulated light propagating within a first light collection cone and a light collection enhancer configured to collect particle-modulated light propagating along an optical path within a second light collection cone and redirect the collected light such that it is back-propagated along the same optical path and focused by the objective lens for detection. Light collection enhancers of interest include a reflective optical element (e.g., a mirror) and a condenser lens positioned between the reflective optical element and the flow cell. Methods for analyzing a sample are also provided.

Abstract: Flow cytometers including light collection modules are provided. In embodiments, the subject flow cytometers include a light source for irradiating a particle passing through a flow cell at an interrogation point, an objective lens for focusing particle-modulated light, and a light collection module for collecting objective lens focused light. In some embodiments, the light collection module includes a fiber optic light conveyor and a refractive optical element positioned between the objective lens and the fiber optic light conveyor. In such embodiments, the refractive optical element is configured to direct the objective lens focused light onto the surface of the fiber optic light conveyor by refracting the objective lens focused light such that it propagates along a single optical axis. Methods for using the flow cytometers are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for determining a parameter of a particle in a flow stream (e.g., in a particle analyzer of a flow cytometer) from scattered light are described. Methods according to certain embodiments include irradiating a particle in a flow stream with a frequency-modulated beam of laser light modulated at a reference frequency, detecting scattered light from the particle with a photodetector, generating a frequency-encoded data signal from the detected scattered light, synchronizing the frequency-encoded data signal with the reference frequency and determining one or more parameters of the particle based on the synchronized frequency-encoded data signal. Systems and non-transitory computer readable storage medium with instructions for practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for determining a size of a particle in a flow stream from scattered light are described. Methods according to certain embodiments include detecting scattered light from a flow stream with two or more photodetectors, generating a data signal from the scattered light with each of the photodetectors, calculating a ratio of data signals from two or more of the photodetectors and determining the size of the particle based on the calculated ratio of the data signals. Light detection systems having two or more photodetectors for detecting scattered light from a flow stream are also provided. Integrated circuits (e.g., field programmable gate arrays) programmed to determine the size of a particle from scattered light data signals are also provided.

Abstract: Light detection systems for simultaneously measuring scattered light (e.g., in a flow stream) from particles having diameters which differ by 100 nm or more are described. Light detection systems according to certain embodiments include a static optical adjustment component, a variable optical adjustment component and a photodetector. Systems and methods for measuring scattered light from a sample (e.g., in a flow stream) and kits having a static optical adjustment component, a variable optical adjustment component and a photodetector are also provided.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring ultraviolet radiation and mount for retaining the sensor includes a converter plate having a perimeter and an edge about the perimeter, a retainer comprising a conical mirror and a frame having a UV blocker, and a fluorescent radiation detector coupled to the frame. The converter plate fluoresces in response to UV radiation incident on the converter plate. The conical mirror couples with the converter plate and directs a portion of the fluorescent radiation emitted from the edge of the plate to the detector coupled to the frame. The detector detects the fluorescent radiation from the converter plate and produces an electrical signal proportional to the magnitude of fluorescent radiation.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring ultraviolet radiation and mount for retaining the sensor includes a converter plate having a perimeter and an edge about the perimeter, a retainer comprising a conical mirror and a frame having a UV blocker, and a fluorescent radiation detector coupled to the frame. The converter plate fluoresces in response to UV radiation incident on the converter plate. The conical mirror couples with the converter plate and directs a portion of the fluorescent radiation emitted from the edge of the plate to the detector coupled to the frame. The detector detects the fluorescent radiation from the converter plate and produces an electrical signal proportional to the magnitude of fluorescent radiation.